Girls just want to have fun
When I got home from Crested Butte after the Blister Summit, everyone asked me what my favorite ski was. I had a quick answer: the Icelantic Maiden 102. With a season of loads of new skis, and brands going in different directions, it’s almost a relief to see Icelantic double down on their hallmark freeride ski collection. This year, they’re offering some fresh updates that increase the ski’s performance, without losing the Maiden DNA we love. I break down what makes this new model so great for so many skiers out there in our Icelantic Maiden 102 Review.
Icelantic Maiden 102 Review: Field Notes
Let’s dive into some of the construction updates around the Maiden.
The Maiden 102 gets a new tip and tail shape to be more symmetrical and new construction so the swing weight is lighter. You also get full-length carbon stringers, both below and above the core, to add pop and stability. The Maiden 102 (and the Maiden 94) get higher camber than previous versions, adding even more liveliness and stability. Overall, the skis get a little lighter.
A quick note: the wider Maiden 108 is a little different, with a stiffer construction and less dramatic camber underfoot. This wider Maiden is a bit more crud-busting and freeride-oriented, while the Maiden 102 focuses on versatility for all-mountain conditions.
I got to ski the 176cm Icelantic Maiden 102 in Crested Butte at the Blister Summit. We skied all over the place, finding fresh snow stashes, skiing chalky steeps, bumps, and of course, groomers. At 5’8″ the 176cm feels right for me, but an Alex from a couple of seasons ago would be very happy on the next size down at 169cm. This is a good one to size up on if you’re an aggressive skier looking for stability. If you fall more into cautious/average on the charge-y scale, you can size pretty normally.
Groomers
Where you may not expect this ski to shine with her deep tip and tail rocker and twin-tip-esque shape, the Maiden 102 holds her own on trail. It is a carving ski, that’s known by looking at it. But, I was impressed with the edge hold and how predictable the ski felt on carves.
What makes the Maiden 102 special on trail is its intuitiveness and ease of turn initiation. I felt like every carve was natural, and it was very accepting of slower speeds and lower edge angles. It feels quick underfoot, and when an unexpected obstacle (re: skier with unpredictable turns) shoots in front of me, I feel confident and in control to shed speed.
I think on trail and in firm snow is where the differences between the old Maiden 101 and new Maiden 102 can really be highlighted. Where the Maiden 101 is surfy and playful, for me, it felt more sluggish to get on edge. This new Maiden 102 blows that away. It’s quick and significantly more snappy underfoot. I can get the ski on edge more easily, with less effort, and get a more confidence inspiring edge hold. This moves the narrower Maidens from freeride specific, to more versatile for firm snow and skiing on trail. A true all-mountain ski.
Bumps and Trees
I knew I’d like this ski in this terrain, and I was not surprised. This ski is nimble, energetic, and responsive. All you can really ask for in your bump skis. The intuitive turning we found on trail continues off trail, and I really enjoyed taking snappy turns in tighter terrain.
To me, the reduced swing weight and adjusted tip and tail construction were really noticeable here. You can easily swing a fast turn when you want to change a line. The progressive shape encourages a playful style and gives heaps of maneuverability when you need it. From my perspective, this makes it a great ski for progressing skiers off trail, while also serving those that are more experienced. In the 176cm length, I never felt like it wasn’t enough ski despite lacking metal or a more beefed up construction. Lady skiers who really value directional skis and taking longer turns may want to look elsewhere, as this just isn’t the shape for you. But for skiers who like to take quick turns, like a ski that doesn’t beat you up, and feels really lively in tight terrain, this was a huge hit for me.
For how lively this ski is, it’s pretty darn damp. Skiing through some crusty bumps funky tree snow, the Maiden held its own and stayed predictable. You won’t find the most planted ride, compared to something like the Nordica Santa Ana 102 or even the Rossignol Rallybird Soul 102. But you do get a predictable ride in an overall much more playful package that feels quite easy to ski in challenging snow.
Mixed Snow and Powder
If this is the terrain you hang out the most in, the wider Maiden 108 might be the move for you. But, if you’re going on occasional powder stash hunts or just looking to keep it simple with a one-ski-quiver, the Maiden 102 handles the powder well for the size.
I love the surfy feel. The lower swing weight helps you swing the ski around in deeper snow, and I loved the tip shape for maximizing float with just a few inches on the ground. The liveliness we found in other areas on the mountain carries over here, making for a really fun ride bouncing in and out of powder stashes.
To me, the energy in the ski lended itself to a really dynamic ski style. Instead of charging through heavy snow, I picked my lines searching for the softer stuff. It’s a great style for playful skiers or folks who like to ski “lightly”. It also has the added benefit of being narrower, and more nimble for this terrain in taking quicker turns. This really serves the skiers who like to take snappy turns to find good snow, rather than arcing some longer turns and riding out the tough snow. I felt this ski was not as charging as a Volkl Secret 102, but more stable in chop than the Black Crows Camox Birdie. If you’re a skier who likes to dabble in both, this ski could work quite well in a longer length.
Icelantic Maiden 102 Review: Bottom Line
I’ll be honest. The more I ski, the more I like stiffer and more directional skis. I like the feeling of being planted, and I’ll take the extra work to swing it around. But skiing on the Icelantic Maiden 102 was just good old-fashioned fun. Sure, I like to charge hard and ski fast. But the Maiden had plenty of “grr” for me to ski the way I wanted to (especially in the 176cm length), just with way more fun injected into it.
If I want a more charge-y, freeride ski for bigger drops or deeper choppy snow, I’ll bump up to the Maiden 108. But for the days I’m skiing around and want something fun, intuitive, lively, and supportive for mellow bumps and zipping through trees with the occasional hot lap with pals, I’d be hard-pressed to have a bad time on the Maiden 102. To me, the Icelantic Maiden 102 appeals to so many lady skiers across the board.